Tips For Explaining a Job Loss

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Tips For Explaining a Job Loss
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Take Time to Reflect

• Recognize that there is
• life after a job loss.
• Think about what you learned from the experience.

• Consider what you could have done differently.
• How will you move forward?

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When the subject comes up in an interview

• DONT LIE
• Be upfront and honest about your dismissal.
• Even if you do not mention it, your employer is
  likely to find out anyway when checking your
  references.
• Your perceived dishonesty could cost you the job.

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• BE PREPARED TO ANSWER QUESTIONS
• Plan in advance how you will answer questions
  about your dismissal if they come up.
• Be objective, looking at the experience from your
  employers point of view as well as your own.
• If you still harbor resentment about losing your
  job, your negative feelings will come through in
  the interview.

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• FOCUS ON THE POSITIVE
• Explain the situation briefly, then focus on the
  positive.
• Point out what you learned from the experience
  and what you did proactively to improve yourself.

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• RIGHT JOB, WRONG BOSS
• Perhaps your dismissal resulted from a a change
  in management and you didnt get along with the
  new boss.
• Acknowledge that you recognize that some people
  just dont click.

• Share references of other supervisors you
  previously worked for.

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• CHANGE IN STRATEGY
• Briefly acknowledge that there
• was a change in company
• strategy that you did not agree
• with.
• Move on to discuss what you
• learned from the situation.

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• LACK OF SKILLS
• Maybe your job moved forward, but you lacked the
  necessary skills to succeed.
• Use your time off to enhance your technology
  skills by taking computer classes and learning
  common office software.

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• POOR REVIEWS
• If you were fired as a result of poor performance
  reviews, you need to understand why.
• Try calling your old boss and asking for advice.
• You may find the conversation easier than you
  think now that the employment ties have been
  broken.

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• MISDEEDS OR DISHONESTY
• If the reason for your dismissal was something
  like misusing company funds, sexual harassment or
  substance use, you have to accept that some
  companies may be reluctant to hire you.
• Always be honest, say only what you need to say,
  and share what youve learned and how youve
  changed.

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• STAY POSITIVE!
• No matter what the circumstances of your
  dismissal were, remain positive and professional
  during the interview.
• Never badmouth a former employer or company.
• Focus on your work and what you learned from the
  experience.
• This is not an opportunity to vent about your
  negative experiences!

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• HAVE SOLID AND LEGITITMATE REFERENCES
• Secure references from other supervisors and
  colleagues who will give you a positive review
  and vouch for your integrity and ability.
• Have 2-3 business references as well as a couple
  of personal references.